Drone photography: Tips and legal framework

Drones, also called multi- or quadrocopters, have finally reached the mainstream. The combination of photography and flying are of particular interest to many. Every day new models with integrated cameras are announced. The devices are steadily becoming more powerful and compact. Thus even amateur photographers have become able to shoot impressive images from a bird’s eye perspective. Many of the integrated cameras already record videos and photos in an outstanding quality. However, there are certain rules and things to take into consideration when photographing with a drone. In this article we inform you about what to keep in mind.

The agony of choice: Which drone?

When choosing the right drone, it’s the same process as choosing a regular camera. Everyone has individual wishes, needs and demands on what the device should fulfill. The price and quality range from a few hundred Euros to amounts in a five-digit range. Interesting models for amateur photographers can be found between a range of 1000 and 2000 Euros. All those of you who intend to buy a multicopter with an integrated camera should at first think about what preconditions it should fulfill in their opinion. At present popular brands include DJI and Parrot.

Important to note!

Drone photography is currently one of the biggest hypes in outdoor photography. With increasing numbers of users and more and more brands, the legal standards have been extended and adapted in April 2017. The first thing you need to do when buying a drone is to make an extra insurance for the drone because usually these kinds of things are not covered by a standard household insurance. If you own a drone above a weight of 250 grams, labeling it is required. Therefore you need to attach a fireproof sign with your name and address on it. Multicopters weighing more than 2 kilos may only be operated with a drone driver’s license, and those weighing 5 kilos and more require an official lift permit. In addition, the maximum height of 100 meters must not be exceeded, except with an appropriate permission.

You want to take impressive pictures on your beach holiday with your brandnew quadrocopter? Most of the time this isn’t a problem at all. However, first it is important to get informed about the legal requirements at your holiday destination. For example, apps for your smartphone displaying so-called safe-zones can be useful. It is also significant to note that flying above crowds, national parks and other sensitive areas such as police stations and main traffic routes as well as airfields is not permitted. When flying above private property, such as a private home or a hotel, the owner’s approval must also be obtained.

With regards to data protection regulations, drone photography is subject to the same rules as standard photography.

General Tips

Before you go hunting for the perfect photo with your drone, you should always do a short pre-flight check. Just make sure if you have the batteries ready, if the drone works properly and how the weather conditions are in your surrounding area. Especially wind speed and the direction of the wind are important things to keep in mind when taking pictures with a drone. Also be aware of the legal standards of the destination and ensure that you already have obtained obligatory approvals in advance.